Gazetteer fun: M-O

The highly entertaining and educational North Carolina Gazetteer has been updated for the first time since it was first published in 1968.

We figured we would highlight some of our favorites from the book every now and then. This version will look at random listings that begin with letters, M, N and O . (Click here to see some older versions.) There are some 2,ooo-plus listings in the Gazetteer, so feel free to search for your own faves.

Maggot Spring Gap, w[estern] Haywood County in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near lat. 35-33-08 N, long. 83-07-55 W. Named fora nearby spring used by cattle rangers that had in it the larvae of an insect that resembled a maggot.


Nimrod, community in s[outh]w[est] Mecklenburg County served by post office, 1891-1902. Was on the w[est] side of the Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad. Site is now the Yorkmont area of Charlotte.


Okay, community in n[orth]e[ast] Forsyth County served by a post office, 1890-1904.

N.C. side of Smokies to get fleet of hybrids

"A handful of shiny, new hybrid Ford Escapes will soon be tooling about the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation," says National Parks Traveler.

“One of the most serious threats that the Smokies faces is the impact of air pollution on the Park’s plants, soils and aquatic life," said Deputy Superintendent Kevin FitzGerald. “We strive, through education and through our own example, to inform the public of ways that they can work towards cleaner air. One way we do this is by gradually transitioning our vehicles and equipment towards cleaner technology.”

According to the article, the park purchased the seven rigs with nearly $200,000 from the transportation department's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. The CMAQ funding is U.S. Department of Transportation money that was allocated by the Rural Planning Organizations of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and Southwestern Commission.

The goal of the CMAQ Program is to reduce air emissions in counties where air quality is in non-attainment of EPA Clean Air Act standards. The portions of Swain and Haywood counties that lie within Great Smoky are both in non-attainment due to elevated levels of ground level ozone, according to park officials.

The new vehicles are replacing seven "much more polluting vehicles, including two full-size pickups, three station wagons, and a sedan, some of which are over 20 years old, so emissions reduction are projected to be substantial," a park release said.

The new vehicles will be used in North Carolina park operations ranging from ranger patrols in the campgrounds to trail maintenance.

Quick hits: Lumbees need unity, Elkmont doesn't need hikers

N.C. Lumbee chairman: Unity needed

"The Lumbee tribal chairman in North Carolina is calling for unity in the tribe's fight for federal recognition even as some members are trying to unseat him," according to reports.

"The Fayetteville Observer reported that Chairman Purnell Swett called for unity Tuesday during his first State of the Tribe address. Swett didn't refer to federal recognition during his prepared remarks, but saved his comments for the end of the speech.

"He says the tribe is at a critical point in the federal recognition process and must work together. ..."

Hiking discouraged at Elkmont area in Smokies

"Officials at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are discouraging hikers from using the Elkmont trails through the end of August," says the AP.

"They cited the repaving of all connecting roads to the popular trails, and limited parking. Additionally, a clubhouse in the area is being renovated.

"A news release from the park encouraged visitors to take advantage of the other 750-plus miles of trails in the Smokies. ..."

Top 10 N.C. Natural Wonders announced

Land for Tomorrow has counted all the votes, and the first-ever top 10 North Carolina Natural Wonders have been announced.

They are:
-Blue Ridge Parkway
-Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout
-Grandfather Mountain
-Great Smoky Mountains
-Lake Mattamuskeet
-Lumber River
-Merchants Millpond State Park
-Mountains to Sea Trail
-New River
-Ocracoke Island

About 1,300 nominations yielded 200 unique potential “Natural Wonders,” which were narrowed to a field of 25 semifinalists by a panel of prominent North Carolinians, said Land for Tomorrow. From those 25, “North Carolina’s Ten Natural Wonders” were determined by popular vote. Over 3,000 individual votes were submitted.

N.C. to get new Smokies visitor center

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has awarded a contract to build a new visitor center at the park's main North Carolina entry, according to the AP.

Officials announced Tuesday they have selected Joseph Construction of Knoxville to put up the new 7,000-square-foot center at Oconaluftee, just inside the park near Cherokee, N.C.
The Great Smoky Mountains Association is providing $2.5 million to build the center, and the Friends of the Smokies is adding $500,000 for exhibit design and fabrication. The gifts together will fund 100 percent of construction costs.

The center will be environmentally friendly with such features as geothermal wells and a cistern to catch rainwater to use for flushing toilets.

Construction will begin in February and is expected to take about a year.

Fall Destinations: Leaves, Scots and seafood

Great Smokies a Top 10 Fall Destination

"The Great Smoky Mountains are a breathtaking sight, especially in fall when the mountain foliage turns to radiant shades of crimson, orange, and purple," says ShermansTravel.

"Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, the most-visited National Park in the United States is home to 100 species of trees with an awesome display of turning leaves.

"Peak fall colors are predicted for mid-October through early November; the most memorable foliage coming courtesy of sugar maples, scarlet oaks, sweetgums, red maples, and hickories."

Laurinburg brings Scottish heritage back

"Rona Wilkie stood in the shade playing a Scottish tune on her fiddle as a crowd gathered around on the grounds of Centre Presbyterian Church in Maxton Thursday afternoon.

"Wilkie, a native of Oban, Scotland, gave the locals a sample of the music she will perform this weekend during the Scotland County Highland Games in Laurinburg," says the Fayetteville Observer.

"Wilkie, a student at the University of Edinburgh, is a Gaelic singer and fiddler. She was selected to perform at the inaugural Scotland County Highland Games on the grounds of the John Blue Home and Historical Complex. ..."

A site for seafood

"After you’ve filled up with shrimp, crab, fish and other treats at this year’s N.C. Seafood Festival be sure to take home some tips for cooking up dishes of your own.

"The award-winning Cooking with the Chefs tent is back for a second year with chefs from Raleigh and the coast demonstrating their preparation of dishes featuring locally harvested seafood. Experts will also be on hand to share recipes and resources you can use to do the same at home," says the Jacksonville Daily News.

"A joint effort with the Carteret Catch program, the festival’s newest event is designed to promote and educate the public about local seafood while also entertaining them with the talents of area chefs. Joining the line-up this year is 18 Seaboard’s Jason Smith, who is known for buying local. ..."

Great Smokies celebrate 75 years

From the Associated Press ...

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dedication speech is being recalled as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rededicated on its 75th anniversary.

About 2,000 people – from high government officials to citizens who were quick to apply for tickets – were bussed from Pigeon Forge to Newfound Gap on the Tennessee-North Carolina state line for the event on Tuesday.

Among dignitaries scheduled to take part in the ceremony was entertainer Dolly Parton, who grew up in the foothills of the Smokies.

U.S. 441, which runs through Newfound Gap, was shut down for the day.

Quick hits: Burns' movie debuts and Cherokees vote to allow the alcohol

Ken Burns' national parks documentary debuts in Asheville
"Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the rest of the nation's national parks are a uniquely American invention that brings democracy to the landscape, according to the writer and producer of a new Ken Burns film series," says the Citizen-Times.

" 'This is the Declaration of Independence applied to a beautiful continent,' said Dayton Duncan 'Only a democracy would come up with the idea that the most special places should be preserved for everybody, not just the rich and royalty.'

"An Asheville audience got a preview Wednesday of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' in a screening at the Diana Wortham Theatre. The six-part, 12-hour series will air this fall on PBS.

" The Smokies, celebrating its 75th anniversary as a park, plays a prominent role in the historical narrative. ..."



N.C. tribe votes to allow casino alcohol sales
"Alcohol sales at a North Carolina mountain casino have been approved by members of the Cherokee Indian tribe," said the AP.

"The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Friday that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians approved alcohol sales at Harrah's Cherokee Casino by a vote of 1,847 to 1,301 after nearly half the tribe's registered voters went to polls.

"Supporters of alcohol sales said it would boost profits at the tribe's casino. The tribe uses half the profits from the 11-year-old casino to run its government and half for twice-a-year payments to tribal members.

"It was the second alcohol sales vote, but the first since the casino was constructed. Tribal members voted 2-1 against alcohol sales in 1980. ..."

Love for Smokies runs deep

The Charlotte Observer has put together a wonderful online package about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's 75th birthday. You can access it here.

Among the features are historic photos, essays and a look at the park today.

Ken Burns and the Blue Ridge Parkway

According to an email from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, documentary film maker Ken Burns has completed a new film, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea. UNC-TV will air the six-episode, 12-hour work in its entirety in the fall.

This spectacular series was filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales, including North Carolina's own Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The documentary is a story of people and a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration - set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

More photos from WNC/Smokies

Seems we've had a lot of Western N.C. content of late. Nothing wrong with that.

Here's a little more. These are from a Citizen-Times online photo gallery of "Historic Photos from the Smokies." Enjoy.

Smokies celebrate a birthday; the Gov. doesn't help blow out the candles

A big event was held over the weekend to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, our governor could not -- or would not -- make it to the shindig.

"Notably absent among the dignitaries gathered for the Governors' Proclamation Ceremony was N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue," said the Citizen-Times. "She turned down an invitation to the event, citing the expense of traveling more than 300 miles from Raleigh to the site on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, according to Perdue spokeswoman Chrissy Pearson. Perdue sent N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Dee Freeman to represent her.

" 'Gov. Perdue could not be here today and asked me to come and stand for her and to share in this event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this great park,' he said.

"The governors' proclamation ceremony honored the people of Tennessee, North Carolina and across the nation who paved the way for the creation of what would become the country's most-visited national park. It was also an occasion to look ahead to the park's future.

" 'The thousands of people (who) lobbied for this park and raised the money — some by collecting pennies — to buy this huge tract of land all knew that the park would be a valuable resource, but I think if they were here today I think they would be in disbelief to hear that 10 million visitors from all over the world visit the park every year,'" said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, who managed to show up.

A mecca for hikers and nature lovers, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has helped pump billions of dollars into the economies of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Smokies have been vital to the economies of what had been a very poor region, Asheville Vice Mayor Jan Davis said.

“We are blessed to have the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Parkway for 75 years,” he said.

“I really ask those here to rededicate themselves to preserving things for future generations,” Bredesen said. “They are fast disappearing in this world of ours, and I hope that this gathering has people of the commitment and the same courage and the same vision that helped make this park possible 75 years ago.”

Perdue spent some time visiting Western North Carolina last month, staying at the Governor's Western Residence in Asheville, but the distance between Raleigh and the western counties appeared too great for her to make another trip.

“The governor was invited and did give serious consideration, but given the length of the trip and the potential travel cost involved, she declined,” Pearson said.

“It is so far out of the way, and we are trying to cut back on travel.”

For Perdue not to attend Friday's event seemed like “a slap in the face,” Davis said.

“For her to recognize that Western North Carolina is here and then to not come to this is not a good thing,” he said.

“The relationship (between North Carolina and) Tennessee is important. This is a very important occasion. It's a disappointment.”

Ouch.

Quick hits: The Smokies are one of 29 'Places to Go' in '09, and the Coastal Federation nears its goal

29 Places to Go in 2009
"The most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains (a western segment of the high Appalachians) boast over 500,000 acres of pristine forest and diverse wildlife that includes foxes, deer, elk and some 1,500 resident black bears," says ShermansTravel. "Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, park visitors have access to 800 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails; scenic campsites; historic cabin museums that serve to recount pioneer history; and popular auto-tour loops, like those along Cades Cove — all of which are shrouded in the misty-blue haze that gave name to 'The Smokies.'

"Why go in 2009: With American travelers forecasted to plan more trips to national parks this year, the Great Smoky Mountains offer one of the country’s most cost-efficient vacations in the great outdoors. Admission to the park is always completely free, and as this year marks the 75th anniversary of its founding (www.greatsmokies75th.org), many additional complimentary activities are planned, including musical performances and special ranger-led programs. ..."



Coastal Federation nears its $3 million goal
"A $3 million goal is within reach as the North Carolina Coastal Federation wraps up a two-year capital campaign to help the organization increase staff and expand programs along the coast," says the Jacksonville Daily News.

"The Turning the Tide: Friends of the Coast Campaign will come to a close at the end of January. As of Dec. 29, a little more than $2.9 million had been raised.

" 'We still have one month to go and a little bit more to raise,' said Development Director Sally Steele. ...

"Steele said the $3 million has three purposes.

"One million is for an endowment to ensure the Federation's work continues into perpetuity, providing ongoing income for the organization's operations.

"Another $1 million will be dedicated to a reserve fund, which could be used to withstand unexpected challenges or put the Federation in better position to take advantage of opportunities such as land purchases or new initiatives. ...

"The final $1 million goes directly to expanded programs and staff. ..."

Quick hits: News from one end of the state to the other

Fewer visitors to the Smokies
"Chip and Michelle Goodman enjoyed a quiet morning around the fire at Cataloochee Valley campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

"At 9.5 miles to the gallon, the rig [they drive] isn’t cheap to drive," says the A C-T.

"That didn’t stop the Goodmans from making the 300-mile trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway and to the park for a vacation. But the couple did scale back just a little.

" 'We were planning on going to Florida,' Chip Goodman said. 'We were going to the Keys and we changed our minds.'

"For the Goodmans, the change in plans put them in the Smokies, where they had a bit more elbow room than they would have found a year ago.

"With gas prices setting record highs this summer, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park says visitation is down 5 percent at its main entrances.

"The Blue Ridge Parkway is down 5.4 percent with 9.3 million visitors so far this year. ..."

Penland School a mecca for artists
"My image of a mountain crafts school has always been of a collection of old buildings in which people, almost all of them on the sunset side of 50, use traditional techniques to produce traditional items — the sort of stuff that graced Appalachian homes in the days when you made it yourself or did without," writes Bill McGoun for the Asheville Citizen-Times.

"I had suspected that the Penland School of Crafts, northwest of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, would be different, and a recent visit confirmed my suspicions. Most of the students I saw are still waiting for their 30th birthdays and some of the buildings are new both in age and in style. And, while the techniques may be traditional, the products most certainly are not. ...

"Penland grew out of a weaving program established in 1923 by Lucy Morgan to help mountain families make extra money. Today, there are classes in books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, iron, other metals, photography, printmaking, textiles and wood. There are one- and two-week classes in the summer, one-week and eight-week sessions in spring and fall.

"There is no permanent faculty, thus each class is unique. For instance, this summer there were 14 different glass classes with a total of 20 instructors. Subjects included beads, Venetian figures, lampworking, glass sculpting, goblets and working sheet glass. There will be a beginners’ class this fall and sculpting and imagery classes next spring. ..."

Nags Head a top-10 'car-free' destination
Sherman's Travel offers to places to vacation where you can "[l]eave the pump behind." In fact at some of these spots, cars are "optional -- or altogether banned."

North Carolina's Nags Head made the list, which can be found here.

Things sure are wild in the Smokies

It only takes a few minutes of walking around Asheville on a Saturday night to see that Western North Carolina as some, uh, interesting "species" that are rarely found in other parts of North Carolina. Now a 10-year study confirms that (sorta).

"A 10-year study has found more than 6,000 species of plant and animal life previously unidentified in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," says the Associated Press.

The All Taxa Biodiversity Project also discovered nearly 900 species "that are new to science."

The results of the study were discussed Monday during a Senate subcommittee field hearing in Asheville.

The project began in 1997 to inventory all species in the park that covers more than 800 square miles in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. More than 1,000 scientists have studied species in the park, identifying a total of more than 16,000.

Experts: Smokies could be 'hub' of eco-tourism

A regional conference on sustainable tourism recently stated that the Great Smoky Mountains National park could be the "engine to propel new eco-friendly tourism for gateway communities in Tennessee and North Carolina," according to the Associated Press.

That's both an opportunity and a challenge for such communities as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Cherokee, N.C., and for the country's most-visited national park itself.

A National Geographic Traveler survey of "sustainable destinations" ranked the Smokies second to last among 55 national parks in the U.S. and Canada in 2005, citing "terrible traffic, vista-choking haze, invasive species and crowded trails." Some 9.2 million visitors come to the Smokies annually. ...

U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told a news conference before addressing the conference Monday that record new federal spending has been authorized for the national parks, including the Smokies, that will help with routine operations and special projects.

That includes a $1.5 million boost for the Smokies that will provide, beyond pay increases and the like, some 55 new seasonal rangers. In addition, new federal money to match private donations will provide $340,000 to the Smokies for exhibits for a new visitors center in Cherokee, preservation funds for historic cottages in the Elkmont district and podcasts aimed at tech-savvy young people, some of the first in the park system.

"Americans love their parks. They realize there are certain things that governments should do - (such as) provide for ongoing maintenance to the operations. That is the expectation," Kempthrone said. "But they realize that government cannot do all things. And so here is this opportunity where the government is saying, 'We would like to partner with our citizens.' "

Click here for the rest of the article.

Quick hits: Food accolades and fall goings-on

N.C. eateries honored
"... For the second year, the N.C. Department of Agriculture sponsored the 'Best Dish in NC' contest for restaurants that serve products from North Carolina farms, markets and companies," writes the News & Observer. "Last week, before the Paula Deen show at the N.C. State Fair, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Deen handed out the awards to the winners. ..."

Welcome to fall in North Carolina
"Fall is the perfect time to visit North Carolina," says VisitNC.com. "Come for our brilliant fall foliage. Enjoy the refreshing outdoor climate and linger at a scenic overlook with breathtaking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience the abundant fall fishing at the coast or camp at one of our magnificent state parks.

"Enjoy our unique fall events, from woolly worm races to NASCAR . To help you plan your visit, catch the weekly reports from our leaf watchers across the state bringing you the latest updates on when our leaves are at their most spectacular. Discover unique ways to see the fall color, from a balloon adventure to a rafting trip on the Nantahala.

"The governor has proclaimed October as 'North Carolina Wine and Grape Appreciation Month' so relax and enjoy autumn with a plate of signature NC food and a glass of our delicious NC wine. ..."

Fall color on the way

From the Charlotte Observer ...

"The warm, arid weather sweeping the state has delayed the start of most vibrant leaf colors in the mountains and the Piedmont.

"The peak in the western part of the state is now expected to be around Nov. 1 and some areas may be brighter than others. The higher you go, the better it will be.

"The brightest reds, yellows and oranges are starting to be found at elevations above 4,000 feet, like parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and along back country roads in Ashe and Watauga counties, said Gary Walker, a biology professor at Appalachian State University. ..."

Quick hits: 'The Rock' and the 'Road to Nowhere'

North Carolina Speedway changes hands

"Eight bidders paced the grassy infield of the North Carolina Speedway on Tuesday, staring one another down.


"They cast their eyes about, trying to guess who were the bosses with the bucks behind the strangers holding auction paddles.


"Locals flanked the mysterious investors, swapping hugs and arm pats as if a loved one had died. Rocky, the stray cat who settled at the speedway after birthing a half-dozen litters, had vanished; the track's superintendent said the change afoot scared her," writes the News & Observer.


"A bluegrass band played ballads, and auction company officials tried to shepherd bidders toward a barbecue buffet. But not much can distract a man ready to take a multimillion-dollar chance on resurrecting an old-fashioned speedway that turned homegrown racers into NASCAR superstars.


"It took 10 minutes to seal the fate of the 'The Rock,' dormant since its owner shifted its remaining NASCAR race to a glitzier venue near Fort Worth, Texas. This summer, Bruton Smith, a Charlotte billionaire who owns a collection of speedways, decided to sell the property at auction. ..."


Feds favor Swain payout in 'Road to Nowhere' case
"The federal government has recommended a financial settlement to Swain County in lieu of building the North Shore Road, sometimes called 'the Road to Nowhere,' through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times.


"The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration released their final environmental impact statement Tuesday, saying the settlement would ensure the resources of the park for future generations.



"Park spokesman Bob Miller said so far the government has spent $10 million on the issue.



"The environmental impact statement will become the government’s official decision 30 days after the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its notice of availability in the Federal Register, which is expected in a few days. ..."



(Sign photo courtesy of Western NC Attractions.com)

Fall color at your fingertips

We're getting close to fall foliage-seeking season, and sometimes it's hard to know where in the North Carolina mountains to go to see prime oranges, yellows and browns.

According to the Hendersonville Times-News, however, there are a plethora of websites out there designed to coach you on your fall foliage expeditions.

Among the suggestions is the state's tourism site, visitnc.com. "It has put together a comprehensive look at fall color in North Carolina," says the newspaper. "The site includes where to go, an easy to read chart of leaf color for each tree (tree, family, color, location and elevation), driving, hiking and biking trails. ...

"Visitnc.com offers a weekly foliage report and forecast, current road conditions, where to see the color, N.C. trees and their color, leaf lodging, leaf peep trips, fun fall events and color for kids."

Here are some other suggested sites, via the Times-News:
http://www.craftcreativitydesign.com/
http://www.biltmore.com/
http://www.theleaf.com/
http://www.exploreasheville.com/
http://www.historichendersonville.com/
http://www.greatsmokies.com/.